Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 668 - 504: People Fear Fame as Pigs Fear Fattening

Chapter 668: Chapter 504: People Fear Fame as Pigs Fear Fattening

"It is my honor that this painting pleases Your Highness and the Commandery Princess." Gu Chengyu understood the Eldest Princess’s intention, but he was neither passionate about it nor felt flattered.

He was a court official, not one who lived by his talents. Moreover, people fear fame as pigs fear fattening. Presenting this painting to the Royal Family might lead to many people seeking paintings from him in the future, which could cause him trouble.

It’s not that he overestimated himself, nor was he borrowing trouble. Previously, his calligraphy was also very famous in the Capital, resulting in a daily influx of invitations and requests for his writing at his residence.

Gu Chengyu ignored all of them, and it was only after he became a court official that these posts somewhat decreased.

Moreover, being offered to the Royal Family is a kind of blessing.

The world loves Danqing, and even women in the boudoir cannot resist its charm. If he becomes famous, those high officials and noble lords might also come to request his paintings. If he doesn’t oblige, he’ll offend them; if he does, he’ll have no peace in the future.

It’s not that Gu Chengyu’s paintings are rare, he knows his limits. His paintings are indeed good and not inferior to renowned artists.

However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and not everyone will like them. Surely, there are many who paint better than him.

Because only he knows this technique for now, as a novel trend spreads, the masses would follow, not to mention those nobles who also relish new experiences, right?

The Eldest Princess was very pleased to see Gu Chengyu’s humble demeanor.

An individual of such talent yet not arrogant, it was apparent that he was also someone adaptable and tactful.

Princess Rong Jia sat beside the Eldest Princess, looking at Gu Chengyu outside the curtain, feeling somewhat lost.

Yao Mengxian had already witnessed Gu Chengyu’s skills before, so she wasn’t shocked.

"When I return, I too must learn this painting technique," You Yinan whispered to the person beside her.

"I think Mr. Gu always saying he read it in a book is just an excuse, I’ve read extensively and have never seen it," Zhou Yuewei speculated to the person next to him.

"That’s because you’re ignorant. Such painting styles existed in the previous dynasty but were eventually lost. I saw it mentioned in a book once, just a single sentence," Lu Chen explained to Zhou Yuewei, glancing at Gu Chengyu.

Zhou Yuewei cast a skeptical look at Lu Chen, though he didn’t entirely believe it, he didn’t argue further.

Gu Chengyu frowned at these words; he didn’t know why Lu Chen would cover up for him.

Because Lu Chen’s puzzled expression while watching him paint seemed genuine, if he had read about such techniques, why would he be so perplexed by his painting?

But he wouldn’t expose him either! Regardless of the opponent’s intentions, he chose not to engage.

"Yuanyuan, the painting is finished. You said you wanted to embroider a copy, your mother is waiting to see your work,"

The Eldest Princess, looking at the five-foot-long painting, was somewhat emotional. The Qionghua in this painting was simply breathtaking. If one were to embroider it, Qionghua would be the most challenging part to tackle.

Though the ink under the Jade Flower Tree depicted the woman lightly, her graceful dancing posture, ethereal and untouched, was enthralling. The beauty visible under the thin veil was captivating.

This painting should be well-preserved, and offering it to the Empress Mother would be appropriate. If it were to circulate, it would harm Yuanyuan’s reputation.

Anyone who sees this painting would guess the woman’s appearance, and finding it unforgettable. How could she accept her daughter’s beauty being fantasized about?

"Mother, the layout of this painting is vast, it will take me considerable effort! Please don’t rush me, I will certainly impress you by then."

Princess Rong Jia really liked this painting; she did not want her mother to give it to her maternal grandmother. Having the embroidery is already enough, why need the painting too?

She planned to ask her mother to keep the painting after some days. Today was probably the only opportunity for Gu Chengyu to leave a painting, inviting him to paint again might not be so easy.

In fact, the Eldest Princess also had thoughts of inviting Gu Chengyu to paint a piece for her mother and herself. Gu Chengyu’s portraits were exceedingly realistic, but they were somehow more beautiful than the actual person.

Gu Chengyu was skilled in capturing a person’s demeanor and aura, apparently proficient in painting beauties, which intrigued her. Although she prided herself on her beauty, the palace artists, despite their skills, were sometimes too intent on embellishment, making the portraits less authentic.

Who wouldn’t want to preserve their beautiful face? Although the Eldest Princess had the thought, she didn’t propose it at this moment.

She figured to let Min associate with Mr. Gu more in the future, and find an opportunity, thinking Gu Chengyu wouldn’t dare refuse.

Today, there were too many people, indeed making it somewhat inconvenient.

The drums from the women’s area sounded again, and Gu Chengyu sat down, exhaling a breath. Exerting much effort earlier, he too needed to rest now.

Gu Chengyu glanced at the sky, estimating it to be around 9:45 AM, likely time to commence the banquet.

"Ah! Third sister, it ended up with you,"

Yao Mengdie, who had just received the flower, lingered for a moment, then unwillingly passed it to Yao Mengxian.

Unexpectedly, just as Yao Mengxian grabbed the flower to hand it to Miss Zheng beside her, the drum suddenly stopped.

Yao Mengxian felt helpless; with the Commandery Princess’s Green Waist Dance Pearl Jade performed earlier, the best she could present was her qin-playing.

But as far as she knew, most of the young unmarried women present were skilled in this art.

In fact, her best talent was dancing, but after the captivating dance by Princess Rong Jia, not only herself, but anyone with similar plans had to give up.

"Let me play a tune for everyone," Yao Mengxian stood up, curtseyed to everyone, and said.

Gu Chengyu was slightly surprised that the flower landed in Yao Mengxian’s hands, but was curious about what talent the young lady would showcase.

"Second sister, can I borrow your qin?" Yao Mengxian usually practiced on an ordinary qin, which just had its strings broken by Yao Mengdie the other day and was being repaired, so she didn’t bring it today.

Knowing that the day might require a display of talent, the young women naturally brought the musical instruments they usually use or dresses for dancing when leaving home.

Many girls present had brought guqin, but the timbre of each qin varied, and not being the owner, one could not perform at their best.

Moreover, something so personal, no one would willingly lend it to others.

However, Yao Mengxian and Yao Menglian were sisters, and as an elder sister, when the younger didn’t bring a qin, she naturally wouldn’t mind.

But Yao Menglian looked troubled, "Third sister, it’s really inconvenient. On the way here, I accidentally broke the strings."

"Fourth sister, lend yours to the third sister for a moment," Yao Menglian tugged Yao Mengdie’s sleeve, signaling her to bring out her qin.

Yao Mengdie looked surprised, "Second sister, I didn’t bring a qin today! What shall we do?"

After saying this, both had anxious expressions.

Upon seeing this, Yao Mengxian’s heart sank slightly, realizing that the two had planned this in advance.